Sarcoma Tumor In Front Leg

[Guest Chris0060]

I am new to this site so please forgive me if this topic has been posted before. I am the proudest owner of a 7.5 year old male light brindle, Dakota. On Monday, he went into surgery for a removal of a lump on his right leg. The biopsy came back yesterday, and i was told the tumor was a form of a sarcoma. I was told briefly of my options which include radiation ( $3,000), amputation, or just a wait and see approach. I am devastated, as Dakota is still a great runner and playful dog. This is my first greyhound who was made such an impact on everyone who has met him.

 

I am opposed to amputation at this point. I just cannot fathom seeing him with 3 legs. To me, this is not what he would want. Can anyone give me some feedback on this issue? Thank you!

[Guest dizzyLu72]

Read about Charlie

 

I hope Charlies_Dad doesn't mind that Im putting this here.. but I noticed a few days ago that GT has a very sweet 3-legged greyhound. Don't rule it out if it's what might save your pup.

[Guest Chris0060]

Read about Charlie

 

I hope Charlies_Dad doesn't mind that Im putting this here.. but I noticed a few days ago that GT has a very sweet 3-legged greyhound. Don't rule it out if it's what might save your pup.

 

Thank you for that link. Very touching!

[Guest BlueCrab]

I don't have any personal experience, but you have come to the right source here on GT. You say a "sarcoma" but don't elaborate on what cancer it is. I don't know how many other sarcomas it might be, but osteosarcoma is a viscious cancer that many folks on GT have experience with, as Greyhounds tend to have a higer incidence than other breeds. If there is another type of sarcoma that is less aggressive then I'll pray that's what it is. As I said, I don't know.

 

There are many factors in making a decision about whether to amputate or choose palliative care including the extent of the damage, how far the cancer has spread, your own finances, your ability to do after-care if you do amputate, etc.

 

If it's OS, not amputating doesn't give you a whole lot of options except for pain management and palliative care. Dogs with active OS who don't go the amputation route don't tend to stay with us very long, although recently there have been some outstanding posts from owners who have taken a holistic approach - Neylasmom for one has posted excellent information.

 

There are many, many owners who have taken the amputation route. Dogs adapt much more quickly than you'd think to having a missing limb. Owners probably take it harder than the dogs do. But OS, particularly in younger dogs, does tend to be very aggressive and I believe does tend to have a high tendency for recurrence even with amputation. I'm not trying to scare you, but to just be up-front with you about what you're facing.

 

Please take the time to really sit down and look thru the pages of Health and Medical posts to research the topic. It's an on-going topic, unfortunately. Hopefully some of the folks who have much more experience will join in on the discussion and will provide you with more help. I will keep you both in my prayers.

Edited December 9, 2010 by BlueCrab

[MP_the4pack]

I amputated my 12 yr old's right front leg. She was pain free after that. She became bright and happy again and it really only took 2 weeks. She ran and played and enjoyed life another 6 months before OS hit another leg.

Some don't even last as long, others last a very long time.

 

Sarcomas are very painful cancers. My vet told me that even if the don't go the radiation or chemo route after surgery, they are pain free.

 

While I questioned my decision up to the day she had surgery, by the time she was off pain meds 2 weeks later, I knew I made the right decision.

 

I will tell you though, I made the long trip to see Dr. Couto at OSU. He's THE greyhound oncologist.

Edited December 9, 2010 by MP_the4pack

[Hollis]

Chris I am so sorry. I lost my first to OS (osteo sarcoma). I'd have to say that from the time I first noticed a limp to the time I set him free was almost a year. Only about 4 months with the official diagnosis though. Its a very personal decision (and unfortunatly a financial one) as to treatment. My best advice is lots of vanilla ice cream, marshmellows and love. For BOTH of you. Please stick with us through this journey. The folks here were an invalueble source of knowledge and comfort for me. I hope you will feel the same.

 

Holly

[joejoesmom]

I am new to this site so please forgive me if this topic has been posted before. I am the proudest owner of a 7.5 year old male light brindle, Dakota. On Monday, he went into surgery for a removal of a lump on his right leg. The biopsy came back yesterday, and i was told the tumor was a form of a sarcoma. I was told briefly of my options which include radiation ( $3,000), amputation, or just a wait and see approach. I am devastated, as Dakota is still a great runner and playful dog. This is my first greyhound who was made such an impact on everyone who has met him.

 

I am opposed to amputation at this point. I just cannot fathom seeing him with 3 legs. To me, this is not what he would want. Can anyone give me some feedback on this issue? Thank you!

 

A lot depends on the kind of sarcoma. I urge you to contact Dr. Couto or his team at OSU. They provide free email or phone consults to owners of retired racing greyhounds (or their vets). I will follow this message with complete information on how to contact them.

 

Since they tried to remove the lump, perhaps it is a form of soft tissue cancer. If so, Dr. Couto is having good success with an injectable type of chemo (5FU) that injects into the tumor site. This is about one fourth the cost of the multiple radiation treatments commonly used to treat this cancer. If they got clean margins there is a chance that he might not need treatment. I am assuming that they did not since they mentioned radiation or amputation. There is a special method of preparing the 5FU so be sure to have your vet consult with Dr. Couto if doing this.

 

If it is osteosarcoma (a bone cancer common in greyhounds), the situation is much bleaker. It is important with osteo to decide on your course of treatment quickly. Amputation/chemo is typically regarded as the only chance at beating this cancer. That being said, only a small percentage (10 to 20%) live past two years. 50% live 14 months. Without amputation and chemo the average is closer to 6 to 12 weeks. Most dogs do great on three legs (barring other orthopedic issues that would contradict an amputation). My Joe was getting around well on his own after 10 days and by 4 weeks he was his normal self, chasing squirrels in the yard. Dogs don't have the emotional attachment to their limbs like we do. They just know that their pain is gone and they can enjoy life again. That being said, amputation is a very major surgery and carries its own risks.

 

Feel free to call me if you like, my number is 614-523-0754

 

Jane

 

 

Here is info on how to contact Dr. Couto and his team. The email or phone consult is free, however a few people have been told they must sign up for the website ($50) and submit the request that way. Dr. Couto tells me that this is not true. However, if you are a member of their website, please submit your request that way because it will automate things and make record keeping for them easier. Certain chemo drugs are free; you would need to pay to have them administered.

 

 

Greyhound Health and Wellness Program

 

Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

 

601 Vernon Tharp Street

 

Columbus, Ohio 43210

 

Phone: (614) 247-6757 or (614) 247-8490

 

Email: greyosu@osu.edu

 

Website: http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/GHWP.htm (registration and fee now required to get full access to this site)

 

 

This email goes to the team. If Dr. Couto is traveling, you may get a quicker answer from one of his team members. Drs. Marin and Zaldivar typically respond to greyhound owners. The consult is free but if you can afford to support the program please do so. You can sign up for full access to the website ($99 per calendar year) or donate through the giving page on the website. If you decide to donate, you can double your money by giving through the Greyhound Project. They will match the funds that you donate.

 

Just go to this website and scroll down to the appropriate donation button:

 

 

http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/donate.shtml.

 

 

The Team:

 

 

Dr. Couto, Department Head, Greyhound Medicine, Oncology and Hematology

 

Dr. Lili Marin, Greyhound Health and Oncology

 

Dr. Sara Zaldivar, Greyhound Health and Oncology

 

Dr. William Kisselberth, Oncology

 

Dr. Cheryl London, Oncology

 

Dr. Cristina Iazbik, Blood Bank Director and Hematologist

 

Dr. Bridget Urie, Oncology Resident

 

Dr. Matt Sherger, Oncology Resident

 

Dr. Joelle Fenger, Oncology Resident

 

Dr. Roberta Portela, Oncology Resident

 

Dawn Hudson, Vet Tech

 

Ashley DeFelice, Vet Tech

 

Stacey Gallant, Vet Tech

 

 

Drs Marin and Zaldivar are originally from Spanish speaking countries. If you have trouble understanding them over the phone, you might ask for one of the other vets or vet techs to “translate”.

 

 

Dr. Couto's direct email is:

 

couto.1@osu.edu

 

His phone number is also 614-247-6757. If he is in town, he typically returns emails in the early hours of the morning.

 

 

You should know that (in my humble opinion) they need more staff. Unfortunately finances do not permit it at this time. They do 20 to 30 greyhound consults a day along with all of their "in canine" patients. Depending on their workload there may be a wait for the consultation. If you are contacting them on an emergency basis, please let them know.

 

If you want to make an appointment to be seen in person/canine, you can call the main number to set up a date/time. The main number for the veterinary hospital is 614-292-3551.

 

 

If you decide to visit OSU please contact me. I may be able to put you up in a local home, provide moral support, or just help with logistics:

 

 

Finewhipador-drool@yahoo.com

 

 

 

[Guest Chris0060]

Thank you to all who have replied, especially joejoesmom. In our discussion yesterday, the vet didn't mention Osteo Sarcoma. SHe was discussing it as a skin/nerve sheath issue. I am scheduled to get the stitches removed in 11 days, so I will be sure to get more specific information. For now, I will cherish every second with him. I will re-consider my thoughts on amputation too. The tumor was not bothering him at all, and his running and playfulness was not affected. I am glad I rushed this, after reading the sad-but-true details.

 

Why are greyhounds prone to this ailment? Is it from their upbringing on a track and diet?

[tbhounds]

Ah Jane--you beat me to it Please follow joejoesmom and contact Ohio State. Would be a shame if you went the amputation route if the 5FU injection would do the trick. Did the path report mention hemangiopericytoma??

[Guest Chris0060]

Ah Jane--you beat me to it Please follow joejoesmom and contact Ohio State. Would be a shame if you went the amputation route if the 5FU injection would do the trick. Did the path report mention hemangiopericytoma??

 

 

I will follow up with my local vet who has always been helpful. I will get more specifics and will drive to Ohio from Connecticut If I had to, in order to get the best treatment for him. Amputation is my last alternative and I still haven't come to terms with it just yet.

[GeorgeofNE]

Thank you to all who have replied, especially joejoesmom. In our discussion yesterday, the vet didn't mention Osteo Sarcoma. SHe was discussing it as a skin/nerve sheath issue. I am scheduled to get the stitches removed in 11 days, so I will be sure to get more specific information. For now, I will cherish every second with him. I will re-consider my thoughts on amputation too. The tumor was not bothering him at all, and his running and playfulness was not affected. I am glad I rushed this, after reading the sad-but-true details.

 

Why are greyhounds prone to this ailment? Is it from their upbringing on a track and diet?

 

Absolutely not. Genetics. Many Greyhound sires have THOUSANDS of offspring. It's harder to find two racing hounds who don't have some common relatives than to find two who do not. Greyhounds who have never been anywhere NEAR a track get it. I had the honor of hearing Dr. Couto speak for two hours on the topic.

 

FYI, he calls NGA Greyhounds "three legged dogs with a spare."

 

Look at your dog's front legs and chest. See how close together they are? If you remove the leg, the other leg only has to shift about an inch to provide proper balance. Greyhounds do just fine with three legs versus a broad dog like a Rottie who has to really move that remaining leg fairly far.

 

Sounds like you need more info. on the particular cancer before you can really make a decision. Good luck.

[krissn333]

My little girl Ace just had a tumor removed from her rear leg. It was buried deep in the muscle and was some sort of nerve sheath tumor. Our vet didn't take margins because he didn't want to be cutting out part of her muscle only to have it come back benign. Unfortunately, it was malignant Some sort of sarcoma. He said if it comes back we'll have to get more aggressive with it. She had her stitches removed at Thanksgiving. The lab report said that if the cancer metastasizes, it is usually to the lungs. It also said that removing the tumor with clear margins is often very encouraging, so, I'm going to hang onto that for now...if she gets another tumor, I think we might try to remove with clear margins and leave it at that. If ANOTHER one shows up, we'll look into that chemo. Ace already takes a chemotherapy drug because she has chronic lymphocytic leukemia as well

 

Wishing you the best of luck. Having your vet talk to Dr. Couto will give you all of the possible options and you'll be able to go from there

Edited December 10, 2010 by krissn333

[3greytjoys]

Instead of waiting for your next visit to learn the specific type of cancer, another option is to call your vet's office for a refresher of the exact cancer name. The front office might be willing to clarify it verbally, scan/email, or FAX that page of medical notes written by your vet. Understandably, a shocking veterinary visit like this is tough to fully absorb. We can help more knowing that information. Our thoughts are with you and your Greyhound.

[tbhounds]

Ah Jane--you beat me to it Please follow joejoesmom and contact Ohio State. Would be a shame if you went the amputation route if the 5FU injection would do the trick. Did the path report mention hemangiopericytoma??

 

 

I will follow up with my local vet who has always been helpful. I will get more specifics and will drive to Ohio from Connecticut If I had to, in order to get the best treatment for him. Amputation is my last alternative and I still haven't come to terms with it just yet.

I can give you directions I have made the trip from NJ many times and I would do it again in the heartbeat if needed! Please keep us posted!

[sweetdogs]

Instead of waiting for your next visit to learn the specific type of cancer, another option is to call your vet's office for a refresher of the exact cancer name. The front office might be willing to clarify it verbally, scan/email, or FAX that page of medical notes written by your vet. Understandably, a shocking veterinary visit like this is tough to fully absorb. We can help more knowing that information. Our thoughts are with you and your Greyhound.

Absolutely. That way, by the time Dakota has his stitches out, you'll have been able to contact Dr. Couto's team & hit the ground running with your treatment decision. Cause 7.5 is still a baby. And don't feel weird about contacting OSU - they're waiting for your call. Well not really but they are extraordinary.

 

And welcome to Greytalk.

 

 

[duncan41]

Instead of waiting for your next visit to learn the specific type of cancer, another option is to call your vet's office for a refresher of the exact cancer name. The front office might be willing to clarify it verbally, scan/email, or FAX that page of medical notes written by your vet. Understandably, a shocking veterinary visit like this is tough to fully absorb. We can help more knowing that information. Our thoughts are with you and your Greyhound.

Absolutely. That way, by the time Dakota has his stitches out, you'll have been able to contact Dr. Couto's team & hit the ground running with your treatment decision. Cause 7.5 is still a baby. And don't feel weird about contacting OSU - they're waiting for your call. Well not really but they are extraordinary.

 

And welcome to Greytalk.

 

 

Make that two who agree! Do not wait. You are in control of Dakota's treatment options, but in order to make the best decision for you and him, you must have the pathology report in front of you and available to send to OSU. They are incredible! Dr. Couto is absolutely the best there is.

 

Welcome to GT! I am sorry it is under these circumstances, but you won't find a better resource for knowledge, understanding and compassion.

[Guest Bamn]

If you are in the North East, New England Veterinary Oncology Group is amazing! (NEVOG for short) OSU obviously is the #1 choice, but getting there is not always practical. Auggie has been diagnosed with cancer, we are not sure what kind yet, but the information we got from NEVOG was 1000x's more than any vet in the area, and we got several opinions. I wish you luck and hope for the best outcome possible.

 

Also, as a side note, a close friend of mine had a four year osteo survivor named Katie - she also published a pamphlet called, "Cancer and Your Greyhound". Once you stop crying, it has a ton of info. Her e-mail is www.downdogyogastudio.com

[Guest Fasave]

I am new to this site so please forgive me if this topic has been posted before. I am the proudest owner of a 7.5 year old male light brindle, Dakota. On Monday, he went into surgery for a removal of a lump on his right leg. The biopsy came back yesterday, and i was told the tumor was a form of a sarcoma. I was told briefly of my options which include radiation ( $3,000), amputation, or just a wait and see approach. I am devastated, as Dakota is still a great runner and playful dog. This is my first greyhound who was made such an impact on everyone who has met him.

 

I am opposed to amputation at this point. I just cannot fathom seeing him with 3 legs. To me, this is not what he would want. Can anyone give me some feedback on this issue? Thank you!

 

A lot depends on the kind of sarcoma. I urge you to contact Dr. Couto or his team at OSU. They provide free email or phone consults to owners of retired racing greyhounds (or their vets). I will follow this message with complete information on how to contact them.

 

Since they tried to remove the lump, perhaps it is a form of soft tissue cancer. If so, Dr. Couto is having good success with an injectable type of chemo (5FU) that injects into the tumor site. This is about one fourth the cost of the multiple radiation treatments commonly used to treat this cancer. If they got clean margins there is a chance that he might not need treatment. I am assuming that they did not since they mentioned radiation or amputation. There is a special method of preparing the 5FU so be sure to have your vet consult with Dr. Couto if doing this.

 

If it is osteosarcoma (a bone cancer common in greyhounds), the situation is much bleaker. It is important with osteo to decide on your course of treatment quickly. Amputation/chemo is typically regarded as the only chance at beating this cancer. That being said, only a small percentage (10 to 20%) live past two years. 50% live 14 months. Without amputation and chemo the average is closer to 6 to 12 weeks. Most dogs do great on three legs (barring other orthopedic issues that would contradict an amputation). My Joe was getting around well on his own after 10 days and by 4 weeks he was his normal self, chasing squirrels in the yard. Dogs don't have the emotional attachment to their limbs like we do. They just know that their pain is gone and they can enjoy life again. That being said, amputation is a very major surgery and carries its own risks.

 

Feel free to call me if you like, my number is 614-523-0754

 

Jane

 

 

Here is info on how to contact Dr. Couto and his team. The email or phone consult is free, however a few people have been told they must sign up for the website ($50) and submit the request that way. Dr. Couto tells me that this is not true. However, if you are a member of their website, please submit your request that way because it will automate things and make record keeping for them easier. Certain chemo drugs are free; you would need to pay to have them administered.

 

 

Greyhound Health and Wellness Program

 

Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

 

601 Vernon Tharp Street

 

Columbus, Ohio 43210

 

Phone: (614) 247-6757 or (614) 247-8490

 

Email: greyosu@osu.edu

 

Website: http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/GHWP.htm (registration and fee now required to get full access to this site)

 

 

This email goes to the team. If Dr. Couto is traveling, you may get a quicker answer from one of his team members. Drs. Marin and Zaldivar typically respond to greyhound owners. The consult is free but if you can afford to support the program please do so. You can sign up for full access to the website ($99 per calendar year) or donate through the giving page on the website. If you decide to donate, you can double your money by giving through the Greyhound Project. They will match the funds that you donate.

 

Just go to this website and scroll down to the appropriate donation button:

 

 

http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/donate.shtml.

 

 

The Team:

 

 

Dr. Couto, Department Head, Greyhound Medicine, Oncology and Hematology

 

Dr. Lili Marin, Greyhound Health and Oncology

 

Dr. Sara Zaldivar, Greyhound Health and Oncology

 

Dr. William Kisselberth, Oncology

 

Dr. Cheryl London, Oncology

 

Dr. Cristina Iazbik, Blood Bank Director and Hematologist

 

Dr. Bridget Urie, Oncology Resident

 

Dr. Matt Sherger, Oncology Resident

 

Dr. Joelle Fenger, Oncology Resident

 

Dr. Roberta Portela, Oncology Resident

 

Dawn Hudson, Vet Tech

 

Ashley DeFelice, Vet Tech

 

Stacey Gallant, Vet Tech

 

 

Drs Marin and Zaldivar are originally from Spanish speaking countries. If you have trouble understanding them over the phone, you might ask for one of the other vets or vet techs to “translate”.

 

 

Dr. Couto's direct email is:

 

couto.1@osu.edu

 

His phone number is also 614-247-6757. If he is in town, he typically returns emails in the early hours of the morning.

 

 

You should know that (in my humble opinion) they need more staff. Unfortunately finances do not permit it at this time. They do 20 to 30 greyhound consults a day along with all of their "in canine" patients. Depending on their workload there may be a wait for the consultation. If you are contacting them on an emergency basis, please let them know.

 

If you want to make an appointment to be seen in person/canine, you can call the main number to set up a date/time. The main number for the veterinary hospital is 614-292-3551.

 

 

If you decide to visit OSU please contact me. I may be able to put you up in a local home, provide moral support, or just help with logistics:

 

 

Finewhipador-drool@yahoo.com

 

 

Ditto! If this is soft tissue, OSU has another option but you may need to find someone in your area willing to administer. My boy and another pup in my area had the same diagnosis. Not a death sentence, depending on grade of tumor, and there are options outside of radiation. Feel free to PM me. Where do you live?

[Guest RICHandJUDE]

I am new to this site so please forgive me if this topic has been posted before. I am the proudest owner of a 7.5 year old male light brindle, Dakota. On Monday, he went into surgery for a removal of a lump on his right leg. The biopsy came back yesterday, and i was told the tumor was a form of a sarcoma. I was told briefly of my options which include radiation ( $3,000), amputation, or just a wait and see approach. I am devastated, as Dakota is still a great runner and playful dog. This is my first greyhound who was made such an impact on everyone who has met him.

 

I am opposed to amputation at this point. I just cannot fathom seeing him with 3 legs. To me, this is not what he would want. Can anyone give me some feedback on this issue? Thank you!

[Guest RICHandJUDE]

I am new to this site so please forgive me if this topic has been posted before. I am the proudest owner of a 7.5 year old male light brindle, Dakota. On Monday, he went into surgery for a removal of a lump on his right leg. The biopsy came back yesterday, and i was told the tumor was a form of a sarcoma. I was told briefly of my options which include radiation ( $3,000), amputation, or just a wait and see approach. I am devastated, as Dakota is still a great runner and playful dog. This is my first greyhound who was made such an impact on everyone who has met him.

 

I am opposed to amputation at this point. I just cannot fathom seeing him with 3 legs. To me, this is not what he would want. Can anyone give me some feedback on this issue? Thank you!

 

 

My 7 year old greyhound was diagnosed with osteo on September 24. We had his back leg amputated on September 27. He has had no problems whatsoever and gets along just fine. He can run almost as fast as he could when he had 4 legs. Matter-of-fact, the other day he jumped two feet off the ground trying to get a squirrel going up a tree. (I have to slow him down so he doesn't injure one of his remaining legs) Believe me, I think we miss their leg more than they do.

Good Luck in whatever you decide. I would still go the amputation route if I had to do over again. (My greyhound is also getting chemo)

[Charlies_Dad]

Our Charlie as referenced in the second reply was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. As others have stated, please find out the type of cancer Dakota has as treatments vary. Contact Dr. Coutu's team as Jane (Joejoesmom) provided and if you do not get a response immediately, keep trying as they are very busy. If you need to talk about our experience as we went the amputation and chemo route, please feel free to e-mail me at kyle241_2000@yahoo.com or you can call me at 613-525-5551. I can only say we chose amputation because it gets rid of the pain of Osteo, the chemo is help extend his life and hopefully reduce chances it's spread elsewhere in his body.

 

Good luck and please let us know how you do.

Kyle

[Hollis]

Ah Jane--you beat me to it Please follow joejoesmom and contact Ohio State. Would be a shame if you went the amputation route if the 5FU injection would do the trick. Did the path report mention hemangiopericytoma??

 

 

I will follow up with my local vet who has always been helpful. I will get more specifics and will drive to Ohio from Connecticut If I had to, in order to get the best treatment for him. Amputation is my last alternative and I still haven't come to terms with it just yet.

 

 

Chris I am also in CT. If I can be of any help, moral support, etc, please feel free to contact me. Also-I am not opposed to road trips and if you need to make the journey alone would be happy to co-pilot!! Its not a lot, but its what I can give you.....

[Guest bigorangedog]

Hi there -

Don't have time to write a long reply right now, but I've had 2 dogs with leg amputations (at 9 yrs old and 11 yrs old), both due to osteosarcoma. Unfortunately, because the osteo was so aggressive, I only got 6 months with each of them. But they were 6 great months. They both did unbelievably well on 3 legs. Please check out the link in my signature for info on leg amputations. Feel free to contact me with Qs!

Jen

[Guest Fasave]

I just wanted to reinforce, if this is NOT Osteo but soft tissue, there is a chemo protocol, versus radiation, that involves four injections into the site, versus 3 weeks of radiation and the cost is around $900. If you are in CT, I know a vet in Rhode Island who offers this treatment. Dr. Couto at OSU GHWP is the one who developed this protocol and has been using it for 10 years. He no longer recommends radiation for this type of cancer. The vet in Rhode Island has been doing it for a couple years now and he started with one of my friends greyhounds who remains cancer free 2.5 years later. Please feel free to contact me with any questions once you find out more.

[EllenEveBaz]

No advice to add to the excellent posts above; so will just add our good thoughts and ear scritches to your boy.